The Guernsey Brothers: Turkey in the Straw

by Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Guernsey Brothers, a bluegrass duo, performed at the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival to supplement the University of Indiana’s exhibit New Vernacular, which highlighted traditional instrument builders. They performed “Turkey in the Straw,” a North American folk song from the 19th century.

Though now retired from instrument making, Ivan Guernsey has built amazing resonator guitars for notable musicians such as Mike Auldridge, Stacy Phillips, and Jerry Douglas. Fiddler Jeff Guernsey has toured with greats such as country music superstar Vince Gill and Grand Ole Opry performer Steve Wariner. He teaches Indiana’s next generation of bluegrass prodigies at Jeff Guernsey’s Conservatory of Music in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Jeff so proud to know you buddy, never met your brother, you guys sounded great! Thank you for the times you came over to my little hole in the ground studio, where you laid down some great tracks! You still sound great Jeff!

Tim

Interesting you pick the one video that Ivan doesn’t play. After all, it is about Guernsey Guitars and Ivan…..